Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has announced the appointment of Gary Lemke as new Executive Vice President (EVP) Ports.

Mr Lemke, who joined the company this week, has more than 20 years of working experience in the ports industry around the world.

His position will oversee the emirates flagship, state of the art Khalifa Port and the three commercial ports in the city of Abu Dhabi; Zayed Port, the Free Port and Musaffah Port. He will also be responsible for the ports in the Al Gharbia region, which support local industry and leisure activities.

Commenting on the appointment, Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, ADPC, said: “Mr Lemke brings considerable international expertise and hands on operational experience which is particularly relevant to ADPC as our business operations continue to develop and expand.

“He will be instrumental in taking the development of our ports to the next level and we look forward to working with him.”

Mr Lemke, EVP Ports, ADPC, added: “Abu Dhabi is an exciting place to be – located in a prime position between Asian and Middle East markets. The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 sets out some challenging targets, but ADPC has some exceptional people and facilities and from my impressions so far, a real determination to achieve and deliver for the emirate. I look forward to being part of such an ambitious organisation and to achieving those goals.”

Mr Lemke has more than 20 years of global port, terminal, shipping and transportation experience.

He began his career in Felixstowe in the UK, and has worked in the Bahamas, Dar es Salaam and Mexico Ports. He has considerable experience of managing terminal expansions in different locations, as well as securing new shipping lines, shippers, even managing a ship to rail greenfield project.

Mr Lemke moved to the Middle East in 2005, working as Chief Operating Officer and later CEO, at the Port of Salalah, Oman.

He has worked as Executive Director Port Development in Saudi Arabia, leading to his most recent role as General Manager at Ports Development Company in King Abdullah Economic City. A company formed to develop King Abdullah Port, the first privately owned and funded Port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.